Cruise Nite pays tribute to 9/11

Auburn Journal fileAuburn Cruise Nite will conclude its 25th anniversary season tonight on Lincoln Way in Downtown Auburn. As part of its final show the Auburn Cruise Nite Committee, along with the Downtown Business Association, present “In Remembrance of 9/11,” dedicated to the victims of Sept. 11. Pictured here are participants from last year’s event.

Auburn Cruise Nite’s last show of the season will be a combination of celebration and remembrance tonight as the event concludes its 25th anniversary season and remembers the lives lost at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
What started out as an informal gathering under the clock tower in Downtown Auburn after the tragic events of 2001 has now turned into an annual memoriam to the historic day.
Starting at 7 p.m. at the Auburn Promenade on Lincoln Way, the Auburn Cruise Nite Committee and the Downtown Business Association will present a musical tribute, “In Remembrance of 9/11,” hosted by Judy Bacon.
“We dare not forget. In other words, they’re (the terrorists) still out there,” Bacon said in response to why the tribute is now entering its eighth year. “Our service people are still out there in Afghanistan, too.”
The event, which will feature a color guard, opens with Placer County Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, Inc.’s deputy senior chaplain James Miline leading the invocation. That will be followed by local dignitaries speaking to the crowd about the events of Sept. 11.
Those expected to attend include Auburn Police Chief Valerie Harris and Auburn Mayor Mike Holmes. Bacon said other area officials may also attend and address the crowd.
Along with the talks, a 10 minute video of the fateful day will be played, as well as patriotic music sung by Bacon with accompaniment by keyboardist Gus Pearson. The event will close with taps played by clarinetists Bob and David Noren.
Auburn Cruise Nite will run from 5 to 9 p.m. on Lincoln Way in Downtown Auburn and is free to spectators and classic car owners. Along with the Sept. 11 event, there will be a small parade presenting Miss Auburn Cruise Nite, Alisha Stolze.
Show organizers will hand out awards in four categories to the best classic vehicles of the night. There will be food and drink vendors and music played by KAHI 950 AM.
“It’s been an outstanding season, I think we set a record in every category — cars and attendance,” said Dick Kiger, Auburn Cruise Nite Committee co-chairman.
Auburn Cruise Nite celebrated a banner season during its first four shows, and another big turnout is expected this evening.
Andrew DiLuccia can be reached at andrewd@goldcountrymedia.com.
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Auburn Cruise Nite
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday; “In Remembrance of 9/11” musical tribute, 7 p.m. at Promenade.
Where: Lincoln Way in Downtown Auburn
Cost: Free